The Environment Agency has launched a second period of consultation on Endless Energy’s application for a permit to build and operate a waste incinerator at a site on Aire Valley Road, Keighley.

Local residents and interested groups are invited to submit any new relevant information on the draft decision for Endless Energy’s proposals for a waste incinerator in Keighley before a final decision is made on whether the permit is issued.

The Environment Agency is minded to issue the permit following a rigorous environmental assessment of the proposed activities, taking into account all of the comments made in the first consultation that closed on 13 December 2018.

The draft permit sets out conditions needed to protect air quality, groundwater and surface water to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of wastes. It will also impose conditions to minimise the risk of accidents, noise and odour and also maximise energy efficiency. If the permit is issued, the Environment Agency would robustly enforce these strict conditions to ensure that Endless Energy’s operations do not cause harm to people or the environment.

Carly Chambers, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Following our assessment of the application, we believe that the proposal meets the legal requirements of the Environment Permitting Regulations and that it will be designed, constructed and operated in a way that will not harm human health or the environment. Unless any new information comes to light which significantly changes our assessment we will be legally obliged to issue the permit.

Our regulatory controls for the incineration of waste are in place to protect people and the environment. We do not permit activities that pose an unacceptable risk.

This further stage of consultation gives the public and interested groups an opportunity to see our decision making process, have their say on the draft environmental permit and bring to light any new information that they believe may require us to modify or change our final decision.

Responses to the consultation can be made electronically or by post although we would encourage all who can to respond electronically. This will facilitate the consultation during the Covid-19 restrictions.

We have also extended the consultation period from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. The consultation period will start on 8 June 2020 and conclude on 21 July 2020.

To access the application documentation, visit the consultation website at: consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/bd21-4lw-endless-energy-limited-epr-zp3537at

People can comment on the proposals by responding directly on the website or emailing pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Envelopes containing postal responses must be clearly marked ‘Endless Energy Consultation’ and be sent to Environment Agency, Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.

This year’s Carers Week theme is to help us all come together and make caring visible.

This year, unpaid carers have the additional worry of how to keep themselves and the person they care for safe during the coronavirus outbreak, so it is important they have the information, guidance and support they need.

There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are caring for a family member or friend with an illness, disability, addiction or mental health problem, yet many of these unpaid carers feel isolated and that their caring role is hidden.

1 in 7 of these carers will also be working as well as caring.

Caring can be rewarding but also challenging. Many unpaid carers are currently dealing with more challenges than ever before. It is important that carers know how to look after their own health and wellbeing, and that we all recognise the contribution that unpaid carers make.

Caring impacts on all aspects of life, from relationships and health to finances and work, and caring without the right information and support can be tough and should not be underestimated.

West Cumbria Carers runs a Workplace Carers Champion Scheme which enlists volunteers to become the ‘voice’ of carers in their workplaces and is continuing to establish and develop a network of Carers Champions and training sessions at Sellafield Ltd.

Suzanne Pender is the chair of the Family Support Network at Sellafield and the Carers Sub-group are a part of this network.

Suzanne said

This is a challenging time for everyone, but particularly people with caring responsibilities, many of whom are not visible in our community.

The Sellafield Carers Group can provide peer support and sign-posting, helping employees to manage both their home and work commitments more effectively.

Stephen Scott is leading the Carers Sub-group and said:

A workplace Carers Champion is someone who, through training, is aware of the stresses and strains a working carer may be facing and how West Cumbria Carers can support them. It is possible that a carer may not actually identify as such in the workplace, but through approaching and chatting with a Carers Champion feels comfortable enough to talk about their caring responsibilities with them.

I am proud to be leading the Carers Sub-group who help signpost the Sellafield Ltd workforce to possible available help.

Angela Longrigg, Volunteer and Projects Manager and Andrea Carlton, Adult Support Manager who work together in running the Workplace Carers Champion Scheme at West Cumbria Carers said:

Sometimes even just a few words from someone who understands your situation can be a lifeline for carers.

Caring can be lonely and isolating, so speaking to someone who has had a similar experience can make a big difference. Workplace Carers Champions can make that difference.

As part of the response, it has been announced that DCMS will launch a call for evidence into the impact of loot boxes on in-game spending and gambling-like behaviour later this year.

Loot boxes are items within video games that can be purchased or earned where the player does not know what they will get until after the transaction is completed. These can include power-ups and cosmetic upgrades, known as skins.

The video games sector is a key part of the UK’s world-leading creative industries, contributing £2.6 billion in 2018 and growing more than 16 times faster than the wider UK economy since 2010.

However, the DCMS Select Committee’s report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies highlighted important issues facing some users in this fast-changing space.

The response published by the department today sets out the steps the government is taking to address these concerns and protect audiences across the UK.

Minister for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage, said:

During the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen more people than ever before turn to video games and immersive technology to keep them entertained and to stay in touch with friends and family.

These innovations can present challenges though as well as opportunities, which is why we are taking the necessary steps to protect users and promote the safe enjoyment of this dynamic industry.

The government has committed to tackling issues around loot boxes in response to serious concerns about this model for in-game purchasing. A call for evidence on loot boxes will examine links to gambling-like behaviour and excessive spending in games. The findings will provide a solid foundation for future steps and will be considered alongside a review of the Gambling Act.

In addition to the call for evidence, the government will contribute to further research in this area. DCMS will set a framework for a programme of research into the impact of video games on behaviour, informed by workshops with academia and industry.

The increased time at home in recent weeks has highlighted the increasing popularity of esports in the UK through events linking gaming to traditional sports like the Formula One virtual Grand Prix series and the ePremier League Invitational. Today’s response also includes plans to develop on the potential of this burgeoning industry whilst ensuring the safety of competitors and audiences is paramount. DCMS will host a ministerial roundtable with a wide range of stakeholders to explore the future of esports in Britain.

The full response to the Select Committee report can be read here. Further details on the measures announced, including the call for evidence, will be released in due course.